August Newsletter 2015

01-Aug-2015

Dear Customer:

Fiber Graffiti - August in the City

Little did I know as I've watched the tree outside our shop get decorated with seasonal themes, something we call Yarn Bombing, that it is a recent American-made phenomenon. Officially, yarn bombing is a form of street art where yarn in any form is attached to an object in public places. Officially, too, it is considered graffiti! But this is good graffiti - projects are temporary, easy to remove and do no damage. Most would agree that yarn bombing creates delightful and serendipitous results; our vegetable and fruit tree for this summer constantly attracts children and adults alike.

Yarn bombing is believed to have originated in Houston, Texas starting as early as the 1990's, but it really took off around 2005. Since then it has spread all over the world, wrapping all manner of objects, from bridges, down to bike racks.

Visit our Yarn Bomb board on Pinterest to enjoy a spectacular array of yarn bombing projects. And when we change themes for our tree this fall, some on into the shop and see how you can participate! ~Kathleen for The Sew Steamboat Team

While the technique of rug hooking is unfamiliar to some, it is wildly popular in Steamboat Springs. We have found some small kits to serve as a casual and relaxed introduction to the craft. Once a few techniques are learned there is a lot of freedom in the art, from the colors chosen for projects (Subtle? Saturated? Monotone?) to the style of filling in the background (Swirly and flowing for movement and energy? Linear and structured for calm and subject focus?) But, I am getting ahead of myself! At this point our beginner kits are offered in three motifs-a sheep, a simple flower and heart bouquet (as seen in the image to the left) and a log cabin. The finished size is an un-intimidating 5"x7" and can be worked on a 10" hoop or one of the locally made frames we offer. I think this is an excellent way to test the waters and see if rug hooking is for you!

Bianca Wrap and Suri Merino

From Blue Sky Alpacas

I haven't been able to take my hands off this yarn ever since it arrived at Sew Steamboat! Suri Merino by Blue Sky Alpacas is 60% Baby Suri Alpaca and 40% Merino. You might be wondering, 'What exactly is a Baby Suri Alpaca?'. Apparently alpacas come in two breeds: Huacaya and Suri. Suri makes up only 5% of the alpaca sources and is harder to come by. According to Knit Picks, while Huacaya fleece is more coarse, Suri fleece "grows downward like human hair in wavy or curly locks with a silky texture". This yarn feels like a cross between silk and cashmere; it's so soft! I opted to knit the Blue Sky pattern called Bianca Wrap, using the colors Sea Mist, Snow and Cloud. All the colors we carry work so well with each other-you can't go wrong picking three colors that will look amazing together. Knitting a poncho was always on my to do list, and now I've started one. With the pattern mostly stockinette stitch, this wrap will be incredibly warm (and did I mention SOFT!) for a Steamboat fall or winter. The wrap takes 5 skeins of Suri Merino in total. Each skein is 100 grams and 164 yards; needle size is 5-7, gauge is 5-6 sts/inch. We also have a few other patterns that call for this yarn. You can check those out the next time you stop in. The bianca Wrap is perfect for beginners to get started on their knitting journey.

Knitting

Upcoming Events:

The 2015 Routt County Fair is coming! Time to start up those projects for judging. The fair runs August 13th - 16th in Hayden, Colorado. Check out the Home Arts Competition Categories for Needlework, Quilts, Clothing, and more! Entries are due by August 13th, with judging on the 14th. Of special note is the You Be The Judge contest - chemo hats to be donated to Yampa Valley Medical Center. More details at Sew Steamboat.

Pincushion Contest!

Announcing our Summer Crafting Contest: Pincushions! Use any medium-as long as you can stick a pin in it! Sew it, knit it, crochet it, felt it, braid it...Stuck for ideas?

We've filled a board on Pinterest to inspire-look for Sew Steamboat and our Pincushion board.

The Pincushion Party will be Friday, August 14th, from 4-6 pm, during Sit and Stitch.

Drop entries by the store anytime from now until August 12th. Prizes announced on the evening of August 14th.